Congenital toxoplasmosis

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Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by transplacental acquisition of Toxoplasma gondii. Manifestations, if present, are prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, myocarditis, pneumonitis, rash, chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, microcephaly, and seizures. Diagnosis is by serologic or polymerase chain reaction testing. Treatment is with pyrimethamine , sulfadiazine , and leucovorin.
(See also Toxoplasmosis in adults and Overview of Neonatal Infections.)
Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found worldwide, causes congenital infection in about 1/10,000 to 80/10,000 births.